How many people were contaminated in the Brazil 1987 radiological incident?

• A. 4
• B. 244
• C. 100
• D. 1

Answer: (B)

This question tests understanding of how many people ended up contaminated by a radiological incident, not just those exposed or harmed. In the Goiânia incident of 1987, a discarded radiotherapy source released cesium-137 powder that spread through contact with contaminated items and surfaces. Health authorities eventually identified about 244 people who were contaminated with radioactive material. That count reflects people who had detectable radioactive contamination on their bodies or belongings, or who had ingested or inhaled material, rather than the number who died or the number who were exposed at any level. The other options don’t match the documented scope: four is the death toll, while one hundred or one do not reflect the total contaminated.